August 5, 1943 - May 27, 2006

David E Rudat

David E Rudat, 62, of Indianapolis, passed away on Saturday (May 27, 2006) at 6:12 p.m. EST surrounded by family at his home. 

A celetration of his life will be 2 to 8 pm EST today at Flanner and Buchannan Mortuary, 2950 N High School Road, Indianapolis.  A visitation will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at Trinity Lutheran Church, 801 S Madison St, Bloomington, with a funeral service at 1 p.m. at the church.  The  Rev Thomas C Wirsing will officiate.  Burial wil be at Park Hill Cemetery, Bloomington.  Kibler-Smith  Memorial Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mr Rudat was born on Aug 5, 1943, in Bloomington, a son of Edward and Rose (Fese) Rudat.  Survivors include his wife, Jackie (Gessler) Rudat of Indianapolis; one brother, Gary Rudat of Altamonte Springs, Fla; sons, Trent (Lisa) and Troy, and stepson Bob Fann, all of Indianapolis; stepson Tony (Patty) Fann of Minier; daughters, Julie (Darren) Rudat Dohme of Broadlands, IL, and Jennifer Rudat; grandchildren, Hailey, Jessica, Kirsten, Kale, Caroline, Jacob, Dylan, Payton and Kourtney, and one greatgrandson, Hyde; and niece and nephew Kristina & Gary, Jr.

Mr Rudat was preceded in death by his parents and stepson, Jason Fann.

Mr Rudat began his lifelong career in radio broadcasting at age 15 in 1958 at WJBC in Bloomington.  He later went on to work for WPEO of Peoria, WIOK of Normal, and then served as morning show host in the Indianapolis area for more than 30 years at WIRE, WHOI ( in Des Moines, Iowa), WIBC, WMYS, WXNT and WERK.  He was known to morning show listeners as "Dave Koffee" hosting the morning "Koffee Club."  He brought a rare brand of wit and charm to his show along with a great dose of music, interviews and impromptu skits each morning.  Throughout the years, he interviewed many famous personalities, actors, politicans and musicians, many of whom became personal friends.  However, his greatest love was the listeners he talked with on the air each morning.  He had an extensive following because he was an "old school" radio show host who loved to do public appearances for the radio stations and meet the average listeners who turned his show on every morning.

He enjoyed the Chicago Cubs and the Bears and spending time with his grandchildren, his biggest fans.  Family, faith and his church were the most important things to Mr Rudat, and he wanted people to remember this about his life: "Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles.  They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary."  Isaiah 40:31.  He will be sadly missed but not forgotten.  A show of love may be made to the American Cancer Society or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Please visit Mr Rudat's website at www.caringbridge.org/visit/david rudat.

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